IDC, LLC

IDC, LLC Patent applications

Patent application number

Title

Published

20100172012

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REDUCING COLOR SHIFT IN A DISPLAY - A system and method of reducing color shift in a display includes an interferometric modulator display configured to reflect light from at least one light source and through at least one converging optical element in an optical path from the light source to a viewer via the display. In one embodiment, the converging optical element comprises a diffractive optical element.

07-08-2010

20100039370

METHOD OF MAKING A LIGHT MODULATING DISPLAY DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED TRANSISTOR CIRCUITRY AND STRUCTURES THEREOF - An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TESTING HUMIDITY IN A SEALED MEMS DEVICE - One embodiment provides a method of testing humidity, comprising: i) determining a property of a device which encloses a plurality of interferometric modulators and ii) determining a relative humidity value or a degree of the relative humidity inside the device based at least in part upon the determined property, wherein the determined property comprises at least one of i) the thickness and width of a seal of the device and ii) adhesive permeability of a component of the device. In one embodiment, the determined property further comprises at least one of the following: i) temperature-humidity combination inside the device, ii) a desiccant capacity inside the device and iii) a device size.

02-04-2010

20090323168

ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATING SAME - In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for fabricating a microelectromechanical systems device. The method comprises fabricating a first layer comprising a film having a characteristic electromechanical response, and a characteristic optical response, wherein the characteristic optical response is desirable and the characteristic electromechanical response is undesirable; and modifying the characteristic electromechanical response of the first layer by at least reducing charge build up thereon during activation of the micro electromechanical systems device.

12-31-2009

20090296194

OPTICAL FILMS FOR DIRECTING LIGHT TOWARDS ACTIVE AREAS OF DISPLAYS - In various embodiments of the invention, an interferometric display device is provided having an external film with a plurality of structures that redirect light from an inactive area of the display to an active area of the display. Light incident on the external film that would normally continue towards an inactive area of the display is either reflected, refracted, or scattered towards an active area of the display comprising moveable and static reflective surfaces that form an optical cavity.

12-03-2009

20090279162

PHOTONIC MEMS AND STRUCTURES - An optical device includes a non-transparent substrate. The optical device further includes a first optical layer which is at least partially transmissive and at least partially reflective to incident light. The optical device further includes a second optical layer which is at least partially reflective to incident light. The second optical layer is spaced from the first optical layer. At least one of the first optical layer and the second optical layer is movable between a first position at a first distance from the first optical layer and a second position at a second distance from the first optical layer. Movement of the at least one of the first optical layer and the second optical layer between the first and second positions modulates the reflectivity of the device.

11-12-2009

20090273596

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ACTUATING MEMS DISPLAY ELEMENTS - Methods of writing display data to MEMS display elements are configured to minimize charge buildup and differential aging. The methods may include writing data with opposite polarities, and periodically releasing and/or actuating MEMS elements during the display updating process. Actuating MEMS elements with potential differences higher than those used during normal display data writing may also be utilized.

11-05-2009

20090267953

CONTROLLER AND DRIVER FEATURES FOR BI-STABLE DISPLAY - The invention comprises systems and methods for partitioning displays, and in particular, displays of interferometric modulator displays. In one embodiment, a display system includes one driving circuit configured to provide signals based on video data intended for display, and a bi-stable display comprising an array having a plurality of bi-stable display elements. The array is configured to display video data using signals received from the driving circuit, and the driving circuit is configured to partition the array into two or more fields, each field including at least one bi-stable display element, and refresh each of the two or more fields in accordance with a refresh rate associated with each field. In another embodiment, a method of displaying data on a display of a client device includes partitioning a bi-stable display of the client device into two or more fields, displaying video data in the two or more fields, and refreshing each of the two or more fields in accordance with a refresh rate that is associated with each field.

10-29-2009

20090267934

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTIVE ADJUSTMENT OF HYSTERESIS WINDOW - The width and location of a hysteresis window of an interferometric modulator may be altered by adjusting various physical characteristics of the interferometric modulator. Thus, depending on the particular application for which the interferometric modulators are manufactured, the width and location of the hysteresis window may be altered. For example, in some applications, reducing the power required to operate an array of interferometric modulators may be an important consideration. In other applications, the speed of the interferometric modulators may be of more importance, where the speed of an interferometric modulator, as used herein, refers to the speed of actuating and relaxing the moveable mirror. In other applications, the cost and ease of manufacturing may be of most importance. Systems and methods are introduced that allow selection of a width and location of a hysteresis window by adjusting various physical characteristics.

10-29-2009

20090267869

ORNAMENTAL DISPLAY DEVICE - An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may also have a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal. The ornamental device may further have a processor configured to control an image on the display based on the external signal. The external signal is emitted from a controller configured to control a plurality of ornamental devices to display coordinated images. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.

10-29-2009

20090262412

METHOD OF FABRICATING INTERFEROMETRIC DEVICES USING LIFT-OFF PROCESSING TECHNIQUES - Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of fabricating interferometric devices using lift-off processing techniques. Use of lift-off processing in the fabrication of various layers of interferometric modulators, such as an optical stack or a flex layer, advantageously avoids individualized chemistries associated with the plurality of materials associated with each layer thereof. Moreover, use of lift-off processing allows much greater selection in both materials and facilities available for fabrication of interferometric modulators.

10-22-2009

20090257109

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING A MEMS DEVICE - A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

10-15-2009

20090219600

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ACTUATING MEMS DISPLAY ELEMENTS - Apparatus and methods of actuating MEMS display elements are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other drive schemes for MEMS display elements. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a MEMS display element to display a frame of video data, said MEMS display element comprising a portion of an array of MEMS display elements, includes an array controller configured to assert a potential difference on said MEMS display element during a first portion of a frame display write process to place the MEMS display element in a first display state, and to assert a potential difference on said MEMS display element during a second portion of the frame display write process to place the MEMS display element in a second display state to display the frame of the video data, where the first display state is different from the second display state. In another embodiment, an array controller asserts a large potential difference across a MEMS display element to affect charge build up and an offset voltage level. In another embodiment, an array controller asserts a series of pulses to rapidly switch the MEMS display element between states to overcome adverse conditions that may affect the operation of the MEMS display element.

09-03-2009

20090219309

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A DISPLAY - A method and system for reducing power consumption in a display includes driving a display comprising a plurality of display elements characterized by a display state. In a first mode of operation, the display state of substantially all the display elements is periodically re-set so as to display a first series of image frames. Upon changing to a second mode of operation, a second mode of operations comprises re-setting the display state of only a portion of the display elements so as to display a second series of image frames at a display element resolution which is less than said display element resolution used to display said first series of image frames.

09-03-2009

20090218312

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR XENON FLUORIDE ETCHING WITH ENHANCED EFFICIENCY - Provided herein is an apparatus and a method useful for manufacturing MEMS devices. An aspect of the disclosed apparatus provides a substrate comprising an etchable material exposed to a solid-state etchant, wherein the substrate and the solid-state etchant are disposed in an etching chamber. In some embodiments, the solid state etchant is moved into close proximity to the substrate. In other embodiments, a configurable partition is between the substrate and the solid-state etchant is opened. The solid-state etchant forms a gas-phase etchant suitable for etching the etchable material. In some preferred embodiments, the solid-state etchant is solid xenon difluoride. The apparatus and method are advantageously used in performing a release etch in the fabrication of optical modulators.

09-03-2009

20090213450

SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME - A method of making an interferometric modulator element includes forming at least two posts, such as posts formed from spin-on glass, on a substrate. In alternate embodiments, the posts may be formed after certain layers of the modulator elements have been deposited on the substrate. An interferometric modulator element includes at least two spin-on glass support posts located on the substrate. In alternate embodiments, the support posts may be located over certain layers of the modulator element, rather than on the substrate. A method of making an interferometric modulator element includes forming a rigid cap over a support post. An interferometric modulator element includes support posts having rigid cap members.

08-27-2009

20090213449

MEMS DISPLAY - A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements.

08-27-2009

20090201566

DEVICE HAVING A CONDUCTIVE LIGHT ABSORBING MASK AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

08-13-2009

20090189230

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING MEMS DEVICES WITH INCORPORATED GETTER - Methods and systems for packaging MEMS devices such as interferometric modulator arrays are disclosed. One embodiment of a MEMS device package structure includes a seal with a chemically reactant getter. Another embodiment of a MEMS device package comprises a primary seal with a getter, and a secondary seal proximate an outer periphery of the primary seal. Yet another embodiment of a MEMS device package comprises a getter positioned inside the MEMS device package and proximate an inner periphery of the package seal.

07-30-2009

20090161192

CURRENT MODE DISPLAY DRIVER CIRCUIT REALIZATION FEATURE - The invention comprises devices and methods for driving a MEMs pixel, and in particular, an interferometric modulator pixel. In one embodiment a device for modulating light includes a light modulator including a movable optical element positionable in two or more positions, the modulator operating interferometrically to exhibit a different predetermined optical response in each of the two or more positions, and control circuitry connected to the light modulator for controlling said interferometric modulator, where the control circuitry is controllably switchable between two circuit configurations, and where the control circuitry provides current to said light modulator when switching between the two circuit configurations to cause the movable optical element of the light modulator to move between two positions of its two or more positions. In another embodiment a method of driving an interferometric modulator pixel with a driving circuit includes providing a potential difference across the interferometric pixel, wherein the provided potential difference increases over a period of time, and changing the position of a movable reflective layer of the interferometric pixel based on the provided potential difference.

06-25-2009

20090141286

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SENSING LIGHT USING INTERFEROMETRIC ELEMENTS - Certain embodiments of the invention provide a light sensor comprising at least one interferometric element that absorbs light in at least one wavelength. The interferometric element comprises a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface. The second surface is spaced a gap distance from the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The light wavelength absorbed is dependent on the gap distance. The interferometric element further comprises a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is responsive to changes in temperature of at least a portion of the interferometric element due to absorption of light by the interferometric element.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-LEVEL BRIGHTNESS IN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATION - A display having a plurality of reflective display elements. In one embodiment, the display elements comprise at least one electrode having a plurality of active areas. In one embodiment, at least two of the sizes of the active areas are different with respect to each other, e.g., they are non-uniform in size. The interferometric modulators have a plurality of states, wherein selected ones of the interferometric modulators are configured to be actuated depending differing electrostatic forces in the interferometric modulators. The electrostatic forces in the interferometric modulators are different at least in part due to variations in the sizes of the active areas of the electrodes.

05-28-2009

20090135464

AREA ARRAY MODULATION AND LEAD REDUCTION IN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - A light modulator is arranged as an array of rows and columns of interferometric display elements. Each element is divided into sub-rows of sub-elements. Array connection lines transmit operating signals to the display elements, with one connection line corresponding to one row of display elements in the array. Sub-array connection lines electrically connect to each array connection line. Switches transmit the operating signals from each array connection line to the sub-rows to effect gray scale modulation.

05-28-2009

20090135463

MOVEABLE MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE - A MEMS device is provided. The MEMS device may include a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The MEMS device may also include a first power supply configured to provide a voltage to the first plate and a second power supply configured apply a voltage to the second plate. In some embodiments, a third power supply may provide a voltage to the third plate.

05-28-2009

20090122036

CONTROLLER AND DRIVER FEATURES FOR BI-STABLE DISPLAY - An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or microfabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process. IMods can be used as test structures for the evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials.

05-14-2009

20090097100

OPTICAL FILMS FOR CONTROLLING ANGULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF DISPLAYS - In various embodiments of the invention, an interferometric display device is provided having an external film with a plurality of structures that reduce the field-of-view of the display. These structures may comprise, for example, baffles or non-imaging optical elements such as compound parabolic collectors. The baffles may comprise a plurality of vertically aligned surfaces arranged, e.g., in a grid. In certain preferred embodiments these baffles are opaque or reflective. These vertical surfaces, therefore, can substantially block light from exiting the interferometric display device in a substantially non-perpendicular direction. These vertical surfaces may, however, permit light directed in a substantially vertical direction to exit the display. The non-imaging optical elements, e.g., compound parabolic collectors, redirect light from large incident angles into more normal angles towards the display. As a result, the light reflected by the display to the user is also at a more normal angle.

04-16-2009

20090086305

MEMS SWITCH WITH SET AND LATCH ELECTRODES - A MEMS device is electrically actuated with a voltage placed across a first electrode and a moveable material. The device may be maintained in an actuated state by latch electrodes that are separate from the first electrode.

04-02-2009

20090086301

DISPLAY ELEMENT HAVING FILTER MATERIAL DIFFUSED IN A SUBSTRATE OF THE DISPLAY ELEMENT - Optical filter functionality is incorporated into a substrate of a display element thereby decreasing the need for a separate thin film filter and, accordingly, reducing a total thickness of a filtered display element. Filter functionality may be provided by any filter material, such as pigment materials, photoluminescent materials, and opaque material, for example. The filter material may be incorporated in the substrate at the time of creating the substrate or may be selectively diffused in the substrate through a process of masking the substrate, exposing the substrate to the filter material, and heating the substrate in order to diffuse the filter material in the substrate.

04-02-2009

20090080060

SEPARABLE MODULATOR - A separable modulator architecture is disclosed. The modulator has a mirror suspended from a flexible layer over a cavity. The flexible layer also forms supports and support posts for the mirror. An alternative separable modulator architecture has a mirror suspended over a cavity. The modulator is supported by supports and support posts. The support posts comprise a flexible layer over support post plugs. A bus structure may be formed upon the flexible layer arranged over the support posts.

03-26-2009

20090068781

METHOD OF MANUFACTURE FOR MICROELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES - A method of manufacturing a microelectromechanical device includes forming at least two conductive layers on a substrate. An isolation layer is formed between the two conductive layers. The conductive layers are electrically coupled together and then the isolation layer is removed to form a gap between the conductive layers. The electrical coupling of the layers mitigates or eliminates the effects of electrostatic charge build up on the device during the removal process.

03-12-2009

20090059342

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A SUBSTRATE - A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A thin film material is deposited over an interferometric modulator and transparent substrate to encapsulate the interferometric modulator. A gap or cavity between the interferometric modulator and the thin film provides a space in which mechanical parts of the interferometric modulator may move. The gap is created by removal of a sacrificial layer that is deposited over the interferometric modulator.

03-05-2009

20080314866

MIRROR AND MIRROR LAYER FOR OPTICAL MODULATOR AND METHOD - Described herein are systems, devices, and methods relating to packaging electronic devices, for example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including optical modulators such as interferometric optical modulators. The interferometric modulator disclosed herein comprises a movable mirror. Some embodiments of the disclosed movable mirror exhibit a combination of improved properties compared to known mirrors, including reduced moving mass, improved mechanical properties, and reduced etch times.

12-25-2008

20080303531

METHODS FOR VISUALLY INSPECTING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS FOR DEFECTS - A method is provided for visual inspection of an array of interferometric modulators in various driven states. This method may include driving multiple columns or rows of interferometric modulators via a single test pad or test lead, such as test pad, and then observing the array for discrepancies between the expected optical output and the actual optical output of the array. This method may particularly include, for example, driving a set of non-adjacent rows or columns to a state different from the intervening rows or columns and then observing the optical output of the array.

12-11-2008

20080268620

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROTECTING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS FROM ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE - A MEMS device such as an interferometric modulator includes an integrated ESD protection element capable of shunting to ground an excess current carried by an electrical conductor in the MEMS device. The protection element may be a diode and may be formed by depositing a plurality of doped semiconductor layers over the substrate on which the MEMS device is formed.

10-30-2008

20080247028

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MULTISTATE INTERFEROMETRIC LIGHT MODULATION - A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.

10-09-2008

20080231935

ORNAMENTAL DISPLAY DEVICE - An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may also be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.